On December 19, 2008, Atlanta Braves team president John Schuerholz blasted the agent of Rafael Furcal. The Braves thought they had a deal in place with Furcal to sign as a free agent with the Braves, but reportedly during final negotiations with the Braves the team was outbid by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who he later signed with.

Schuerholz stated, Having been in this business for 40-some years, I've never seen anybody treated like that. The Atlanta Braves will no longer do business with that company -- ever. I told Arn Tellem that we can't trust them to be honest and forthright. I told him that in all my years, I've never seen any (agency) act in such a despicable manner. It was disgusting and unprofessional. We're a proud organization, and we won't allow ourselves to be treated that way. I advised Arn Tellem that whatever players he represents, just scratch us off the list. Take the name of the Atlanta Braves off their speed dial. They can deal with the other 29 clubs, and we'll deal with the other hundred agents.ESPN.com: Schuerholz: Furcal's agents despicable (December 19, 2008)

On April 4, 2000, Furcal was called up for his MLB debut with the Braves. He played a total of 131 games that season, finishing with 87 runs and a .295 batting average. He was also selected as the National League Rookie of the Year for the 2000 season. Furcal made his first post season appearance the same year, playing in the National League Divisional Series, where the Braves lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Furcal missed the end of the following 2001 season after he required surgery for a dislocated left shoulder. He returned to the Braves in 2002, playing in 154 games. In 2003, Furcal was selected for his first MLB All-Star Game appearance. In Spetember 2004, he was arrested for his second charge of driving under the influence in Atlanta, Georgia. He continued with the Braves through the 2005 season, after which he entered free agency.

On December 19, 2005, Furcal signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The following year he was selected for the Roy Campanella Award, given to the Dodgers' player who most shows spirit and leadership, just as Campanella did.

• On December 6, 2008, news agencies reported that Rafael Furcal turned down a four year deal with the Oakland Athletics. The deal was reportedly for between $35 to $40 million dollars. The Athletics currently have Bobby Crosby at shortstop.ESPN.com: Furcal turns down Oakland's offer (December 6, 2008)

On December 16, 2008, news agencies reported that Furcal was close to a deal to return to the Atlanta Braves. But later in the day news surfaced that the Dodgers have entered negotiations to bring the shortstop back. Furcal has spent the last three years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Prior to that he spent his entire career with the Atlanta Braves.ESPN.com: Source: Furcal eyes Braves, Dodgers(December 16, 2008)

On December 17, 2008, news agencies reported that Furcal has returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three year deal worth $30 million. Earlier in the week, Furcal was close to signing a three year deal with the Atlanta Braves. But the Dodgers stepped in and made a more lucrative concrete offer.ESPN.com: Report: Furcal ends up back with Dodgers (December 17, 2008)